Holmes to BECMI conversion: spells
by Cab DavidsonThere are various things that are different in the next few pages, but nothing (other than traps being sprung on a 1-2 on 1d6) that it entirely missing from the RC. That is until you get to the spells.
At level 1, for magic users we have Dancing Lights and Enlargement (and note that in this version its Tensers Floating Disc), and at second level there are Audible Glammer, Magic Mouth, Pyrotechnics, Ray of Enfleeblement, and Strength.
Also of note is that Darkness is a second level spell, but equivalent to the reversed form of light in RC, and that in this version it is Phantasmal Forces - note the plural, but it is essentially the same spell we know from later.
So lets adapt them...
Level 1
Dancing Lights
Range: 120'
Duration: 2 turns
Effect: Creates illusory lights
This spell creates 1d6 lantern like lights which give the appearance of illumination carried by a party of dungeon adventurers or a similar group. The magic user can command them to move, even around corners, up to the maximum range of the spell. Once cast the magic user only needs to speak his desire for the lights to move, thus no further concentration is required for the spell to operate.
Enlargement
Range: 30'
Duration: 1 turn + 1 turn per level of the caster
Effect: Enlarges 1 object or creature
This spell increases the size and mass of a single object or creature. A non-living object is doubled in size, while a living creature is increased by one half (for example a 6' tall creature increases to 9' tall). Only a single object or creature can be affected, and the caster must be able to touch or to see it, within 30', when the spell is cast.
The nature of the object is not otherwise changed - a larger potion is still merely a single potion, for example. But, for example a wooden barricade will have twice as many hit points, a rope twice as long and able to take twice the weight, etc. Any creature affected may suffer due to being unable to fit inside their armour, and their clothing may tear but they receive a +1 bonus to hit and damage in melee for the duration of the spell.
In cases where the object is especially large, the spell is limited by a volume equal to 12 cubic feet per level of the caster.
On to the level 2 MU spells...
Level 2
Audible Glamer
Range: 240'
Duration: 2 turns
Effect: Creates an auditory hallucination
By means of this spell the magic-user is able to create an auditory hallucination. At first level the caster can, at best, make it seem as if 1-4 persons were conversing in normal tones. With each additional level the magic-user attains a like volume can be added, i.e. at third level the caster could create the sound of 3-12 persons moving and speaking normally, or half that number shouting and fighting. For other than human sounds the DM may make judgements by relative sound volume (a lion roaring would require a forth level casting, whereas the sound of a giant snake approaching would easily be accomplished by a second level magic-user).